Mala Beads & Japa Mala

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Mala beads have been used for centuries as a companion to meditation, prayer and quiet intention. A japa mala — from the Sanskrit for "muttering" or "reciting" — is held in the hand and counted bead by bead, guiding the mind back to stillness whenever it wanders. Our collection brings together handmade mala necklaces and wrist malas in a range of natural stones, Rudraksha seeds and artisan tassels, each piece made to be worn and used rather than simply displayed.

What's inside the collection

The range centres on the traditional 108-bead count — the number most commonly used in japa practice — alongside shorter wrist malas for everyday wear. Materials include Rudraksha mala seeds, amethyst, black agate and lava stone mala designs, with tassels in complementary tones and natural fibres. Each mala is hand-strung with a guru bead at the centre and a tassel finish that catches when it moves.

Choosing your mala

The right mala is partly practical and partly personal. Rudraksha mala beads carry a centuries-old tradition in their own right — their texture and weight feel different to smooth gemstones, and many people find the tactile quality helpful during practice. Lava stone mala pieces are valued for their grounding quality and subtle matte finish, while amethyst and black agate bring softer colour and polish. If you are buying for a shorter daily ritual, a wrist mala with a lava stone or turquoise pairing may suit better than a full 108-bead meditation necklace.

Wearing and using your mala

A mala necklace is not solely a ritual object — it is designed to be worn throughout the day, keeping the practice close. Many people wear a lava stone mala or amethyst mala as a meditation necklace under clothing or over layers, letting it rest against the chest. When sitting to practice, the mala is held between thumb and middle finger, moving bead by bead without crossing the guru bead. Browse our Shop by Crystal page to explore individual stones, or visit the Chakra hub to find which colours and materials correspond to different energy centres in your practice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a japa mala and how is it used?

A japa mala is a string of beads used to count mantras, affirmations or breaths during meditation. Hold the mala in your hand, resting the guru bead at the top, and move one bead at a time with your thumb — working from the bead closest to the tassel toward the guru bead. This counting gives the mind something physical to return to each time it drifts.

Why 108 beads?

The number 108 is considered sacred across many traditions and is the traditional count for a full japa mala. It is also the number of breaths said to be optimal for deep meditation by some practitioners. A wrist mala typically uses 27 beads — a quarter of 108 — making it practical for shorter sessions.

How do I care for my Rudraksha mala or lava stone mala?

Natural Rudraksha seeds can be kept away from sustained moisture and strong chemicals, which may affect their texture over time. Lava stone mala beads are more resilient but benefit from being stored separately from metal jewellery to avoid scratching the matte surface. A soft pouch is ideal for travel.

Is this collection handmade?

Yes — the Rudraksha japa malas, lava stone mala necklaces and amethyst malas in this collection are handmade pieces, with tassels individually knotted and bead placement varying slightly from piece to piece. This is the nature of any genuinely handmade item and means no two are identical.

Can I wear a mala necklace all day?

Absolutely. Mala necklaces are commonly worn as everyday jewellery, and many people find that having the mala close throughout the day — at work, on a walk, during a commute — maintains a sense of continuity with their practice. If you prefer to keep your meditation necklace for formal practice alone, that is equally valid.

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